Kashmiri Pandits don't count, they are not a vote bank, says Anupam Kher

Every 19th of January, we remember the plight of Kashmiri Pandits. They witnessed a hysteric, macabre night 26 years ago in the form of blaring threats and slogans, asking them to flee their homeland, convert or die.From Delhi to Mumbai to Jammu, Kashmiri Pandits staged protests today as t

Every 19th of January, we remember the plight of Kashmiri Pandits. They witnessed a hysteric, macabre night 26 years ago in the form of blaring threats and slogans, asking them to flee their homeland, convert or die.

From Delhi to Mumbai to Jammu, Kashmiri Pandits staged protests today as they called for return to home claiming they remained refugees in their own country. They said the government has done little to help their cause because they are not a vote bank.

Talking to India Today on the fight for injustices meted out to Kashmiri Pandits, actor Anupam Kher said that being a minority, Kashmiri Pandits were of no purpose to politicians. The plight of the community was a not a vote bank issue and thus, failed to get the traction they deserved.

"We don't count, we are not a vote bank. All political parties have failed them when it came to rehabilitation," Anupam Kher said.

"26 years has been a long period. Kashmiri Pandits continue to live in fear, in tents and refugee camps. No one has bothered about them and no concrete development has taken place," the actor added.

On whether it was turning into a Hindu-Muslim one, Anupam Kher said that the issue concerned only the Hindus and not the Muslims.

"Hindus were thrown out of Kashmir, not the Muslims. Hindus were largely targeted and killed and then the exodus began. You should not balance it by saying that it is now becoming a Hindu-Muslim issue," he said.

When asked why isn't the community returning back to Kashmir despite being asked by the government, Anupam Kher said, "Those who were a witness to the tragedy continue to live in fear. So if they are not ready to go back, it is quite justifiable."

However, in contrary to Kher's response, Sanjay Tickoo, President of Kashmiri Pandit Sangarsh Samiti (KPSS), said that he felt safe and secured.

"I feel safe and secured. Else, I wouldn't have been talking to you on the issue," he said.

Author Siddhartha Gigoo said that Kashmiri Pandits had become a mere hashtag.

Rashneek Kher, Founder of Roots in Kashmir, said that the plight of the pandits were beyond money. Monetary compensation could in no way solve the situation.

Watch full debate here:

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